P-16 Collaboration in the States

As state policy makers are increasingly looking for ways to raise student achievement, and improve college access and success, state and local communities across the country are attempting to create integrated systems of education in which all levels coordinate, communicate and educate as one. These efforts are most commonly named K-16, P-16 and P-20. The goal of these efforts is to create a cohesive system of education from early childhood through college that promotes access, standards, accountability and life-long learning. There are currently 30 states engaged in some kind of P-16 activity.


Research on Higher Ed Gets a Boost

The U.S. Education Department is establishing a new national research center to study the future of American higher education and colleges’ ability to successfully educate the country’s growing numbers of low-income and academically underprepared citizens. The National Research and Development Center on Postsecondary Education will focus on efforts by two- and four-year institutions to bolster students’ access to higher education and improve the rates at which they earn a degree.


Claiming Common Ground

A report by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education focuses on what states can do to connect their K-12 and postsecondary education systems, beyond developing K-12 policies to support student achievement and broadening access to college. ‘Claiming Common Ground’ identifies four state policy areas for improving higher education readiness and success: the alignment of coursework and assessment; state finance; statewide data systems; and accountability.


The Effects of Investing in Early Education on Economic Growth

A policy brief by the Brookings Institution analyzes the impact of high-quality universal preschool and a more highly educated workforce on economic growth. According to this brief, a national program would cost the federal government $59 billion by 2080, but would generate $2 trillion in federal revenue. Additionally, a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce is more mobile and adaptable, learns new tasks more easily, and can use a wider range of technologies, thereby contributing to overall productivity.


Teaching Tweens

Although they might roll their eyes at the thought, anyone who observes young adolescents navigate through a day can't miss their need for guidance and encouragement from their teachers. This issue of Educational Leadership explores the kinds of instruction and support most appropriate in the classroom. From differentiated instruction to mastery learning—read about some of the practices ASCD’s experts on middle school education support.


Free Online Resource for Faculty Development

The League for Innovation and WGBH-TV in Boston are pleased to announce the availability of Getting Results, a set of six multimedia professional development modules for community college faculty. Funded by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Program, Getting Results focuses on the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics specifically in ATE classrooms. The modules are available free online, and a Users Forum has been created for Getting Results users to ask questions, share experiences and offer feedback.